Brno

Written by Chloe Davies, Ian Walker
07/09/2025
A lively scene at Náměstí Svobody in Brno, showcasing historic architecture and city life.
Ivan Dražić, Pexels

Brno, Czechia's second-largest city, offers a compelling mix of historical sites, diverse architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene, providing a relaxed yet engaging Central European experience. It is a hub for history and culture, enhanced by a lively student population and serving as a gateway to the scenic South Moravian region.

The city center is the primary area for social interaction, with Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square) serving as a central hub for nightlife and events. Zelny Trh (Cabbage Market) and Jakubské náměstí (St. James Square) are also popular for their lively atmospheres, while Veverí Street is notable for its array of bars and cafes.

Top 7 Things to do in Brno

Exploring Brno involves delving into its historical sites, appreciating unique architectural styles, discovering intriguing underground spaces, and enjoying its dynamic urban atmosphere.

1. Špilberk Castle

Standing majestically on a hilltop, Špilberk Castle provides a journey through centuries of history, from its origins as a royal residence to its formidable role as a fortress and a notorious prison. Walking through the castle grounds, you are greeted with panoramic vistas of Brno. Inside, the Brno City Museum presents the city's past, and visiting the chilling casemates offers a tangible sense of its darker history. The grounds are freely accessible, allowing for a pleasant stroll even without entering the museum sections.

Cost: Entry to the castle grounds is free. For the main museum circuits, such as 'The Story of the Castle' or 'Casemates', an adult ticket typically costs 240 CZK (approximately €9.60). Reduced fares are available for students and seniors, and family tickets (2 adults + 1-3 children) are around 550 CZK.

Transport: The castle is a pleasant uphill walk from the city center, taking around 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi ride from the city center is about 6 minutes and costs approximately 115 CZK (around €4.70). The nearest public transport stop is Šilingrovo náměstí.

2. Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

Dominating the city skyline from Petrov Hill, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is an iconic Gothic landmark. Entering the cathedral reveals an interior adorned with intricate paintings and mosaics. Climbing the towers rewards you with expansive, breathtaking views of Brno. An interesting local tradition is the bells ringing at 11:00 AM instead of noon, commemorating a clever ruse during a historical siege.

Cost: Entry to the cathedral itself is free. To ascend the towers for the panoramic views, an adult ticket costs 60 CZK (approximately €2.40). Discounts apply for children and students, and a family ticket is available for 130 CZK.

Transport: The Cathedral is located on Petrov Hill, a short uphill walk from the city's Old Town. It is easily accessible on foot from the Main Train Station or Šilingrovo náměstí square.

3. Old Town Hall Tower

Visiting Brno's oldest secular building, the Old Town Hall, offers a glimpse into the city's past. The tower, with its distinctive crooked spire, provides another excellent vantage point for panoramic views over the historic center, including the bustling Cabbage Market and the majestic Cathedral. You might also discover the legendary 'Brno Dragon' and 'Brno Wheel' within its passages.

Cost: Ascending the tower costs approximately 180 CZK (around €7.30).

Transport: The Old Town Hall is centrally located and easily reachable on foot from anywhere in the city center.

4. Brno Ossuary at St. James Church

Descending beneath the Church of St. James, you enter the solemn atmosphere of the second-largest ossuary in Europe. This underground burial site contains the skeletal remains of over 50,000 individuals, artfully arranged and respectfully displayed. The experience is enhanced by a specially composed musical accompaniment, making it a unique and thought-provoking visit.

Cost: Admission is 160 CZK (approximately €6.40). Reduced tickets are available for students and seniors. Combination tickets for multiple underground attractions may offer a discount.

Transport: The ossuary is situated in the heart of the Old Town, near Liberty Square, and is within easy walking distance from most central areas.

5. Villa Tugendhat

Experience a masterpiece of 20th-century functionalist architecture at Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Built with pioneering open-plan concepts, luxurious materials, and advanced technology for its time, exploring its residential and technical floors offers a deep insight into modernist design. The villa’s garden is also a pleasant space to walk through. Due to high demand, booking your tour several months in advance is essential. The garden entrance can sometimes be visited without prior booking.

Cost: A basic 60-minute guided tour costs 400 CZK (approximately €16), while an extended 90-minute tour, including technical facilities, is 450 CZK (approximately €18). Family tickets are also offered. Photography inside the villa requires an additional fee of 300 CZK. The garden is generally free to access.

Transport: Villa Tugendhat is located slightly outside the immediate city center. To get there by public transport, take tram #3, #5, or #9 to the 'Dětská nemocnice' (Children's Hospital) stop, then walk uphill for about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, tram #7 or #9 to the 'Tomanova' stop involves a 7-minute walk. Bus #67 to 'Schodová' is another option. A 60-minute public transport ticket costs 25 CZK (approx. €1). A taxi from the city center costs around 180-220 CZK (approximately €7.20-8.80) and takes about 4 minutes.

6. Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market

Beneath the vibrant Cabbage Market (Zelný trh) lies a fascinating labyrinth of medieval cellars and passages. Exploring these underground chambers reveals how they were historically used for storing food, brewing beer, and maturing wine. Exhibits also feature an old alchemist’s laboratory, offering a unique glimpse into daily life and trades from centuries past.

Cost: Admission to the labyrinth is 180 CZK (approximately €7.30). Combination tickets with other underground attractions may provide a discount.

Transport: The entrance to the labyrinth is located directly in the Cabbage Market (Zelný trh), in the very center of the Old Town, making it easily walkable from nearby attractions.

7. Capuchin Crypt

Discover a unique and somber site beneath the Capuchin Monastery, where the mummified remains of Capuchin friars and benefactors are displayed. Due to the crypt’s specific climatic conditions, many bodies are naturally preserved, offering a poignant and unusual encounter with history. The inscription 'tu fui, ego eris' (I was you, you will be me) over the entrance serves as a powerful reminder of mortality.

Cost: Entry costs 120 CZK (approximately €4.80) for adults, with reduced fares of 70 CZK for students and seniors. A family ticket is 250 CZK. An additional 30 CZK fee applies for photography.

Transport: The crypt is conveniently located in the Old Town, just off Masarykova street, and a short walk from the Cabbage Market and the main train station.

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